Wow! It’a April 1st already and Day 1 of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. No fooling’!

I’ve chosen No Excuses as the theme for this challenge, so every weekday this month, I’ll be blogging about some excuse people tend to use to keep themselves from living their best lives.

Today’s post needs to start with the letter “A” and I’ve been thinking a lot about how arthritis keeps many people from doing the things they’d really love to do.

Not that arthritis is an excuse. It’s a real condition.

However, I’m finding that most things, including yoga, can be modified (if need be) so that even someone with arthritis can enjoy them.

In fact, arthritis is one condition that can be eased by yoga.

Arthritis and Yoga

I’m not talking about complicated poses (at least not to start), but simple yoga poses.

Basic, gentle yoga poses can help anyone with arthritis build strength, balance, and flexibility.

And, as someone who suffers from arthritis, I also find that regular movement keeps me from getting so stiff that it’s hard to get out of bed in the mornings.

If you have arthritis and aren’t getting any form of regular exercise, talk with your doctor and ask if yoga might be right for you.

If it is, then find a local yoga class with a well-qualified instructor.

If you feel you need individual attention, look for a yoga therapist, who has more extensive training and will do a thorough evaluation before you get started and design a yoga program just for you.

Are You Still Hesitant to Try Yoga?

If you don’t feel comfortable going to a yoga studio, you can start your yoga practice at home.

There are many excellent videos (either on DVD or online at youtube) that will help you create your own yoga practice.

I strongly suggest that if you go this route, be sure you listen carefully to the instructions so you are doing the poses correctly, not only for safety sake but also because the poses will have more beneficial effects if done correctly.

Also, read this short post about practicing yoga safely.

Remember, too, that yoga is a practice.

It isn’t something you need to get perfect.

It’s something you get better and better at – and stronger and stronger – the more you do it.

Try it!

Namaste,

P.S. I’m starting my 21 Days of Yoga program today. It’s a good way to ease into yoga practice. You might like to try it, too!